Background

Friday, April 8, 2011

End Prize.

As I sit outside on this beautiful evening, eating dinner with my family, I find myself very thankful for this precious time with them. Granted most times we are at each others throats but I cherish times like this. These days our world seems to be so crazy that we lose track of whats really important. I read a tweet today that said "ppl of God, rest easy. governments might shutdown, but we are a part of an everlasting, unshakable kingdom. keep your eyes locked on heaven" SO TRUE. We worry about silly things of this world when we should be keeping our eyes on the end prize. What really matters most? For me, it's getting to spend an eternity with my Savior. One of my prayer these days are that I continue to feast my eyes on heavenly things, I know my Father will take care of me. As Jeremiah 29:11 says.. "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." I know God has my best interest and I know he has a plan for my life.

Sometimes as I think about sisters, I wonder why do both of my sisters have seizures.. why did it skip me? Did God have a plan for it all? Maybe He knew my mom would need a lot of help. I wonder what goes through their brains every single day. How does it work. How different is it than mine. Why does certain things cause them to act certain ways. I hate that my middle sister is 17 and can't so most things that kids her age are doing.. like driving for instance. That's a luxury that we take for granted, even myself. I wish her medicines and disorder didn't make her so emotional. I wish she could just be normal. Its sad knowing that my baby sister will always be the way she is. She will probably always live with my parents and always be as small as she is. But you know, she is content in her own little world and she will always be my sweet angel :) My sisters are truly an inspiration. They live with this disorder day in and day out and yet they still choose to be as positive as they can be and still choose to trust Jesus through it all.

My best friends mom is battling breast cancer(that ugly beast came back for round 2), tumors on the brain, liver and lung cancer and I'm so glad to say she is still here with us.. all because of God. 3 months ago she was hospitalized with only 1 week to live and now she is fighting back strong. Now, I would like someone to tell me there ISNT a God. He knew all this was going to happen and He has a big plan for it all. I see him working in that family(whom I am thankful to call my second family) everyday. It's amazing how he uses different circumstances and people to bring others to Him.

Monday, February 21, 2011

30 day challenge!

I am going to challenge myself.

It's time for a little change(crazy, I know!). So everyday for 30 days I want to write down what I am thankful for. I am hoping to become a little more humble and appreciative about life.

I don't want to take life for granted. I want to be full of life. I don't just want to "get by" every day, I actually want to enjoy it. I want to live a life where at my funeral people will say good things and actually MEAN IT. I want it to be known that there is only one person I am living for, Jesus.

Day 1:

Today I am thankful that the creator of this earth has blessed with me another day of life.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Change.

Seasons change.
Things change.
Times change.
People change.

Change is a good thing but, as I'm approaching the years of SO much change, it scares me a little bit.
It scares me not to know where I will be in 5 years or even 2. It is also very exciting to think of how fun the journey will be along the way. Im so amped about the story God is writing for my life and where he may have me in a couple years.

Change be may one of the hardest things you go through in life.
However, I do believe it can be a good thing.
Change forms you and makes you who you are.

One of my favorite quotes:
"Your direction, not your intention, determines your destination"
Thank you Andy Stanley. It's so true. You don't think about this on a daily basis but, one decision can take you down a path you may or may not want to go down ( aka change. aka makes you who you are ). The facts I face these days are that it's so easy for anyone to stumble. No one is perfect. The only person that was ever perfect was Jesus and we can only strive to be half a perfect as he was. It's so easy for you just to say " oh just this one time" or "I've already done it once so what's it matter now" but its so true that one decision can get you in a big mess.

It's never fun to see friends change(unless of course if it's for the better). There isn't a lot you can do about people changing, it's part of life. It's sad and it sucks but you can either deal with it or be bummed. I'm learning day by day that it will all be okay, it's okay to move on, it's okay to change.
Another good quote: In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life; it goes on. Thanks Robert Frost.
One things still remains and it eases my heart... GOD is unchangeable, he is my only constant.

Grey's Anatomy says it so well...
"Change. We don't like it, we fear it. But, we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. It hurts to grow, anyone who tell you different is lying. The more things change the more they stay the same. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes change is everything."

Tonight was the night of quotes.
Also the night of venting.
Just needed to get a few things off my chest and ramble a bit.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Travel Thursday.

It's true, I've got the travel bug and I just can't get rid of it.

One place I've always wanted to travel was Greece --


I love the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!" I should be the traveling pants since I love to travel so much.


This is look so beautiful and fun



I also would love to jump off a cliff like they do in the movie


But I suppose this place will have to do for now.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Rambling Wednesday.

WEATEHR WEATHER WEATHER. I just LOVE this fall weather! It is starting to feel so great outside! Don't get me wrong, I'm a summer girl and all but I can only handle so much hot heat. fall is the perfect weather, not too cold (since I'm so cold natured and I don't really like winter) and not too hot. just perfect, a lot like spring.
Anywho FALL = football. fair. fall clothes. pretty colors. Thanksgiving. food. the weather. candy corn. coffee on the porch. fall activities. when the leafs on trees change colors.
Those are just few of the many things I love about fall!

I am loving where God has me in life and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is teaching me so many things. I am slowly but surely learning to be less selfish and put others before myself. That's one thing I don't like about myself. I've noticed it and I'm trying to change it. I love that one of my 8th grade girls felt like she could come to me in confidence. Being a small group leader is truly one of the most rewarding things ever. I know I always brag about my girls but they are simply the best.

I am super stoked about the Auburn-Clemson game this weekend!!! I am a Roll Tide girl all the way but I'm excited that Game Day will be in Auburn :) Everyone thinks I will convert into a Auburn fan but I can't help all my best friends are at Auburn. I bought a navy dress for the game, It's strapless and singes at the waste. I'm thinking I will wear a skinny orange belt, orange rose bud earrings and orange sandals! Also, I love tailgating! I'm not sure what it is about football season but it's my favorite.

Enough rambling for the day.. Time to go into work! Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far :)

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

God is writing my story..

So I have never been more excited about the story God is writing for my life then now! He keeps reveling different things to me each day.

I believe that there is a story written on the tablets of every person's heart. Some people choose to share these stories with open arms, while others keep them hidden and tucked away. At this point in time, It is a very defining moment of my life as well as exciting time. I want to share a few things about myself that some of you may not know!





1. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He is my Lord & Savior. He comes first before anything else.





2. Cake shows and the food network are my favorite but I'm not very good at baking/cooking.





3. Photography is my passion. Everything about it excites me.





4. I am a naturalist. Meaning I feel closest to God when I am outside and admiring his beautiful creation.





5. Almost everyone comes to me for advice. I've thought about going into counseling but I'm not sure If I would enjoy it or not.





6. I'm independent and sometimes stubborn.





7. I get angry quick but I also forgive quick.





8. I'm adventurous and love anything outdoors.





9. I have a blanket fetish.





10. I love traveling.





11. I'm not a big fan of the cold. I like it for about a month during winter then I'm over it. Very cold-natured.





12. I'm very family oriented.





13. My dream job would be to travel to all kinds of crazy different places and take pictures.





14. I sleep with my hand on my stomach because it helps me fall asleep. Weird I know.





15. I want to go parasailing, skydiving, I want to play under water monopoly and become a Polar Bear(not sure what that is? ask!)





16. I absolutely love the Indianapolis Colts and one of my biggest dreams in life would be to meet PEYTON MANNING :) (HUGE fan)





17. I'm a girly girl but I also love sports.





18. I've been to Africa and I would love to go back. It was a life changing experience.





19. I love music. Rap is one of my favorite genres.





20. I want a tattoo. My family isn't very supporting of this idea. My dad is the only one who is okay with the idea.





21. I wish I knew what God wanted me to do in life but I love the journey I'm on.





22. I truly got blessed with amazing parents. They are some of my best friends.





23. My sisters amaze me every single day. They have been through so much, yet they are so strong. They are my inspiration.





24. My friends and I always come up with weird nicknames for each other. That's why they are my best friends and half my heart.





25. I'm learning that what I want for my life isn't always what God wants. I'm also learning that I have to fully trust him and put everything in his hands.





26. I'm a super old-fashioned girl when it comes down to relationships. I like it when a guy makes the first move and takes the initiative.





27. I wish I could be perfectly tan all year long.





28. I miss my home in Plant City but I believe I moved to Alabama for a reason. I came out of my shell.





29. I enjoy receiving random texts/letters in the mail from people who I haven't seen/talked to in ages.





30. I am not superstitious, I believe everything happens for a reason.





31. I absolutely love my church. I will never attend a church that isn't like it or the same model again. I am also a small group leader for 8th grade girls and it has been one of the best experiences.





32. I believe that each person has a story to tell and I would love to hear as many as I can.





33. This past summer I was granted the opportunity to work on Staff at Wiregrass Church(my church). Awesome experience. Awesome people. My favorite part would be during staff meeting when everyone tells all the "win" stories of the week.





34. I am usually a night owl & love to sleep in but lately I've learned that I am a grandma when it comes to sleep and I feel better when I get up early.





35. I'm a very picky eater. I hate that about myself.





36. I now have soda Tuesdays thanks to Peyton Kirk :)





37. It's not my job to judge others and I hate when people judge knowing no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.





38. I forget a lot and am sometimes A.D.D





39. I've been home schooled since the 4th grade and I've liked it. I'm not your typical homeschooler that most people would stereotype me as. Most people are surprised when they find out I was home schooled.





40. I have never dressed up for Halloween but I think will this year.





41. I'm a pretty open person and easy to talk to.





42. I fall short every single day and am the first to notice my imperfections. It is because of God's grace that I am forgiven.





43. I dislike it when words are spelled incorrectly and people don't use punctuation.





44. I sometimes to worry too much but I'm working on it every day.





45. We are a apple family. Once you go Mac you don't go back.





46. I exercise on and off. I wish I could get in a good routine of doing it.





47. I LOVE Starbucks/coffee.





48. My favorite cars are Volvo's, Tahoe's, and Range Rover's.





49. I want to meet a guy who will prove me wrong, open the eyes of his heart, put others before himself, fascinate me everyday and be more in love with God than he is with me. Even when the outcome seems utterly impossible, he will find ways to make it work.





50. I want to live a story so big that I inspire other people.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Beach Bummin


The girls beach trip was definitely a success!
I love love love the beach. The best thing about it was that there wasn't any OIL!
Beautiful waterrrrr.
We laid out. Went out. Laid out. Went out. then came home.
That pretty much sums it up.
I will leave you with a few pictures: